Course outline

The University of Buckingham has developed a unique two-year undergraduate degree programme in Computer Science, which incorporates self-directed projects encouraging entrepreneurial development through innovative creation. Designed with input from the IT industry, SMEs, graduates, and the University’s Business School, the proposed programme aims to develop students’ computing knowledge and skills, and provides them with a platform to plan, start, develop and run their own software business. Graduates of the programme will be able to start their own software/IT business, join an incubator programme to further develop their ideas and skills or work in a dynamic software development environment.

Computing and ICT are an integral part of today’s modern society, playing a significant role economically and politically while acting as a vehicle for information in many sectors. This programme is intended to bridge the gap between students’ academic knowledge in computing and the real-life world of business in computer science. This will be done through hands-on and interactive projects that provide opportunities to engage with potential customers. This programme will offer prospective students the unique opportunity to develop a well-rounded and thorough understanding of computing as an entrepreneur.

As a foundation, the programme aims to develop students’ theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling them to analyse, specify, design, develop and test efficient and innovative computer-based systems. In addition, students will creatively develop software systems of their own and research ways to commercially market their ideas to specific areas of business, outlined in a professional business plan. Projects will be guided by mentors in the field and students will participate in lectures from notable software and business entrepreneurs, encouraging a creative, innovative and business-minded focus.

“We want our graduates to be able to start a software business; they will be able to work in a dynamic area – not just designing software. As for the way the programme is designed it would give the students a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t and what could potentially go wrong and how to overcome such issues when launching a software business” (Dr Harin Sellahewa – Senior Lecturer and Programme Director).

The programme is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the IT industry, including software engineering and systems management. They will also be able to establish their own start-up businesses during the programme or on graduation. Alternatively, graduates can advance their careers in research in computing / computer science at Buckingham, other UK universities or universities abroad.

Language minors

Applicants with no previous knowledge of the chosen language must begin in September for a fast-track induction programme. To commence studies in January, applicants must have at least grade ‘C’ GCSE in their chosen language.

UCAS applications

You may apply either through the national UCAS university admissions system, or at any time directly to the University using our own online application form. Our UCAS code is B90.

Mature students

Because of our two-year degree we find that the age range of our student body varies between those who have recently completed A-levels (or equivalent) to more mature students. Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.

Selection process

Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be conducted by skype, email or phone.

The Admissions Assistant for Applied Computing would be happy to answer any questions you may have:

Terms and conditions for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting any offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >

Quality teaching

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.

High calibre staff

Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.

Teaching methods

Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars, workshops and tutorials. It is enhanced by virtual learning environments, online / stand-alone computer-based teaching, learning packages and software tools.

A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of the University’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.

Many of our Information Systems and Computing courses have supervised practical classes in the computer laboratories in which you can apply and practise the techniques you have learnt in the lectures. These practical sessions are usually two or three hours long. You will also be expected to study on your own, using the library for reading research and the computer laboratories to improve your practical skills.

Assessment methods

The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.

Preparation for work

All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.

Graduate employment

We have a high graduate employment rate, The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) ranked Buckingham top for graduate employability with 98.1% in July 2015.

Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.

What our students say

“Having completed a degree in Computing with Economics, I can say that it was a very enjoyable and worthwhile journey. The combined degree gave me the opportunity to learn the technical aspects of Computing as well as being exposed to the basic concepts and practices of Economics. Completing a degree in 2 years can be very challenging, however, the support that students receive from lecturers, more than made up for it. Staff at the University of Buckingham are very approachable and due to a smaller number of students, the likeliness of their availability is much higher than at other universities. If anyone wants a Computing degree and has any sort of interest in Economics, I strongly recommend picking this combined degree at Buckingham. Having recently graduated, I now look forward to starting a Master’s in Management degree at Warwick Business School.”

Abhiram Adi BSc Computing with Economics, 2014

“From my arrival at the University of Buckingham, I found my time to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The whole department are all very approachable and friendly, and the support and help received throughout the course has been great. The course itself was challenging and stimulating, and although the 2 year programme can be stressful at times, there is still plenty to do, and time to do it, in Buckingham and the surrounding area.”

Michael Randall
BSc Computing, 2013

“As a Computing student, I was glad that our modules included both essential concepts and some current ones like the Mobile Application Development and Data Mining course modules. The department regularly invites budding entrepreneurs of local businesses or those of others within the UK to present talks and recruit our students. Academics from other universities were invited often to give presentations on their current work. We did not miss out on the presentation action as we got to do more project progress presentation than we may have liked at the time.

“Finally taking the two year Buckingham course has been exciting, challenging and rewarding. Because of the small class size I have been able to communicate with my tutors and lecturers more than I have had to at other institutions previously attended. The two year course here could be very intense. The amount of work especially after the first six months proved to be more than I had realized before signing up but support and encouragement from my personal tutor and other departmental staff was always available. I miss the university already and cannot wait to see some of my friends during graduation.”

Chukwuemeka Eze
BSc Computing, 2013

The following fee illustrations provide an insight into the cost savings which can be made by studying at the University of Buckingham.

Discounts

Students who graduate from the University and plan to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree at Buckingham can benefit from a very generous automatic discount on their fees:

33%, those with a first class honours degree from Buckingham

25%, those with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) degree from Buckingham

Scholarships

The following automatic awards are available to undergraduate Home students:

High Achiever Scholarship
We offer a reduction of £2,500 on your tuition fees (January and July 2017 entry) or £2,000 (from September 2017) if you achieve ABB (AAB from September 2017) or above in your A levels (or equivalent) excluding General Studies. This scholarship is dependent on your making Buckingham your firm choice. It will be reviewed after your preliminary and subsequent examinations and will continue if your average mark is in the upper second or first class.

Five Counties Scholarship
If you live in Buckinghamshire (including Milton Keynes), Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire or Oxfordshire, you will be entitled to a local scholarship of £2,500 per annum (January and July 2017 entry) or £2,000 (from September 2017) providing you meet the conditions of your offer. This scholarship is dependent on your making Buckingham your firm choice. You are not eligible for this award if you hold another scholarship from the University.

Buckingham Bursaries
If, when you join the University, you are in receipt of a Maintenance Loan of £5,000 or more from Student Finance, you will receive a further bursary of £1,100 towards your tuition fees. This bursary may not be held with any other scholarship from the University (please note that because of the significant increase in the Five Counties Scholarship, this bursary is no longer awarded in addition).

*The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering educational services. If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.

On-campus accommodation

We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.

Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.

What’s included?

All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.